It is a well known fact that chemotherapy, radiation and withdrawal from estrogen replacement therapy can leave the vaginal tissue extremely sensitive, very dry and in many ways impaired, causing continuous discomfort, even pain, during daily activities and especially during intimacy.

While going through radiation and chemotherapy treatment, cancer patients often refrain from intimate activity for an expanded period of time, causing additional stress in the relationship with their intimate partner. After lengthy withdrawal, many women are afraid and find it difficult to reenter a sexual life.

Jacqui has counseled thousands of women on skin and intimacy problems. To help women who've undergone radiation and/or chemotherapy, she and her advisors have developed a seven step program on how to reenter sexuality after cancer. This simple and practical guide has worked for many couples to be able to enjoy a fulfilling sexual life again after lengthy periods of abstinence.

Step one:
Change your personal hygiene product habits. Please do not use any products in the vaginal area containing fragrance, dyes, high levels of detergent (products that foam a lot), products containing deodorizing ingredients. They disturb your vaginal balance and leave you exposed to irritation and infection.

Only use products that are labeled pH balanced, fragrance free, dye free, hypoallergenic or allergen free, hormone free on the package. Do not sit in bubble bath, no matter how tempting. It is extremely drying to vaginal tissue. Do not douche -- ever. If you desire to cleanse the intimate area do it with lukewarm water and a pH balanced body wash or soap that protects your vaginal area from irritation. Avoid too many spicy foods, which are often irritating to the urinary track and vaginal area. Drink 8 glasses of water daily, or as many as you can.

Step two:
Discuss all medication and the effects they have with your doctor. Many medications such as antibiotics cause additional vaginal dryness and irritation. Remember, after using antibiotics it is highly advisable to add acidophilus tablets to your daily diet for at least three months. An occasional yogurt will not do to reestablish a healthy pH balance in your vagina. Without it you're more exposed to vaginal irritation and recurring infection. Other medications such as antidepressants may cause loss of libido. However, not all brands of medicine in a particular category have the same negative side effects.

Step three:
If you are experiencing discomfort and/or pain during intimacy or have avoided intimacy, get reacquainted with the most intimate part of your body in your own time and place. Wash your hands. Keep your nails short. Put a little Intimate Moisture on your fingertips. Gently explore the area between the vaginal lips and around the vaginal opening. If that feels good, insert one finger and see how the tissue inside your vagina feels. Apply a little Intimate Moisture every day after washing between your vaginal lips to cushion the tender vaginal tissue with comforting moisture.

Step four:
Repeat stroking, touching and inserting your finger daily. As you get used to the touch and it continues to feel comfortable, insert two fingers, eventually three fingers. Your fingers can help prepare your vagina for sexual pleasure again. Always use Intimate Moisture on your fingers to protect the delicate vaginal tissue.

Step five:
Share the experience with your husband. Let him touch you. Discuss with him what feels good and what you?re afraid of. Guide him in stroking you and giving you pleasure. Give yourself to the experience. Relax and enjoy the sensation. Involve each other in this journey of rediscovery. Concentrate on thoughts that are affirmative of love and life.

Step six: As you've progressed, you may try lovemaking without full penetration. Be sure to put some Intimate Moisture on your husband as well as yourself. Discuss with each other that you're still in the process of discovery, and do not expect everything to work out 100% the first time. Acknowledge the progress you've made. Enjoy the closeness and trust that builds between the two of you.

Step seven: When you're ready, and you might not be for quite some time, progress to more complete expressions of lovemaking. Many forms of sex can be extremely satisfactory and joyful and do not necessarily include penal penetration. Know that the physical and emotional joy of giving love and experiencing love is within you, always. Millions of other women have gone through similar frightening struggles and have been able to redevelop a happy sexual life with their partner.

Jacqui

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